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12 DAYS OF SAIL-MAS: Hvar, Croatia

By December 13, 2019April 8th, 2021Blog

Our first stop on the 12 Days of Sail-mas was one of the most popular sailing stop offs this year: the vibrant island of Hvar! Hvar had great importance in ancient times due to its role as a strategic nautical position on the Dalmatian Coast, and now the island is home to some amazing relics to explore and a buzzing nightlife scene to enjoy!

Hvar is a great spot to immerse yourself in Croatia’s rich and exciting history. Spend a day discovering the Croatian Renaissance for yourself in the winding streets and stunning squares of Stari Grad (the Old Town.) The Tvrdalj is a particularly beautiful, relaxing spot to walk around. Built by Renaissance poet Petar Hektorović, this tucked away spot was constructed for protection against possible Turkish attack. Today, the Tvrdalj is an amazingly preserved time capsule of what it was like to live in 1500s Mediterranean luxury. You’ll find natural a sea-water fish pond lined in a lush walled garden that feels like your own peaceful oasis. If you look closely around the water’s edge you’ll Latin find inscriptions that say things like “Remember that neither riches nor fame, beauty nor age, can save you from death.” Not just a pretty spot to unwind in, the Tvrdalj also has a rich history of protecting the residents of Stari Grad from the threats of warfare, but you’ll undoubtedly find it difficult to imagine anything but peace in this tranquil spot!

Uncovering history in the Mediterranean sun can soon become sweaty work – so reward yourself with a daytime dip in the crystal clear waters that surround the island of Hvar! The island has countless secluded swimming spots that vary from pristine white sand beaches, to pebbled inlets. If you’re in the mood for a 30-40min hike through some beautiful coastal nature, you can find the pretty Robinson’s Beach that is home to one of Hvar’s best kept dining secrets! Once you arrive, you can put your order in for a delicious lunch of locally sourced fish, seafood and salad at the tiny beach restaurant and relax on shore or in the calm waters until the owner calls you in for your meal.

Before you know it, the sun will start to set  on your day in Hvar. Luckily for you, under the stars is where this island famously starts to come to life! Hvar’s evening scene has something for everyone, whether you’re wanting to enjoy the mediterranean sunset with a refined evening of great food and wine, or let your hair down in dancing spots frequented by celebrities and socialites! Tri Pršuta is a great indoor wine bar in the heart of Hvar Town that feels like a sanctuary from the busy evening streets. The charismatic owner is known to entertain patrons with his knowledge of quality wines and local history, all of which he presents with an unmatched Mediterranean flair. You’ll easily lose track of time as you spend an evening here sampling great wines paired with delicious locally sourced food with the company of other travellers and live acoustic music. If you can’t stand the thought of being inside on a warm Croatian night, then the Cocktail Bar Bolero is the spot for you! Perched on top of an incredible scenic high point on the island, you’ll find comfortable outdoor chairs and sofas to relax in whilst you enjoy some sundowners in the natural shade of pine trees. For those travellers after something a bit more lively, the Carpe Diem and Hula Hula beach bars are great spots to go and dance the night away and possibly spot a few A-list celebrity travellers! These spots can be a bit more pricey and often practice a dress code so make sure you do a bit of research before you go!

It’s easy to see why Hvar is a must-do spot on any Dalmatian Coast sailing getaway. Whether you’re after vibrant history and culture, beautiful beaches and swimming spots, or great food and drink – this is the island for you! You can start planning your very own summer sailing trip HERE and make sure you don’t miss out on everything Hvar has to offer in the summer of 2020!